The next shot is visible track - Peco code 83 - after painting - (2) colors are used: Floquil "Railroad Tie Brown" is airbrushed over the entire track, then Floquil "Rail Brown" is applied to the sides of the rail:
Next, the top of the rail is block sanded with 800, then 1000, then 1200 grit paper. This removes the paint from the railhead, which both looks correct, and is necessary for electrical contact, and smooths the surface. The track is vacuumed between each grit, then cleaned with alcohol.
The railhead is then burnished with a stainless steel washer. This removes any remaining imperfections in the surface, which would retain dirt and gunk. After a final cleaning with alcohol, I apply a very light coating of a product called NO-OX ID, which will help to reduce oxidation, and improve electrical conductivity, without sacrificing traction.
It's hard to capture the gleam of the burnished railhead with the camera - here's a shot looking straight down, with flash:
The mainline is now ready-to-run - after I complete the permanent wiring. Ballast - the rock between and around the cross-ties - and weathering with grease and oil colors, and weeds, will be done after the terrain is built.
